The shameful, never-ending expansion of the University of Pittsburgh
has led to the legal rape of of Oakland in both the residential and
business districts. Since the university’s arrival, the residential
population has dwindled from nearly 100% to now approximately 20%.
The business district is now being further destroyed with more student
housing. Council members are a part of that shameful process due to
either actions or inactions. The website OaklandDignity.com chronicles
that shame.

All of you have experienced shame in life. It could have been from
your sexual orientation, the color of your skin, gender, religious
beliefs, or by others’ abusive verbal or physical actions, among
other reasons. It was a shame that was passed on to you by others.

The University of Pittsburgh has passed on its shame to this council
and the mayor, planning commission, zoning board, Oakland organizations,
state government and the media. I have spoken before the council on
over 30 occasions. However, one can also speak through silence. For
one minute, I would like each of you to focus on this sign and the
shame that the University of Pittsburgh leaders have passed on to each
of you.

One minute of silence.

As you all know, shame that is masked, denied or ignored will continue
to grow. We urge you to make the right choice to end your shame of
the legal rape of Oakland.

Carlino Giampolo

Note: The reference to “legal rape” makes reference to “the
land”; and not to “the people” as the Council President
erroneously alluded to after the comments were made.

Pitthetic: noun – a university, organization, government
entity, or individual that negatively impacts a community by action
or inaction; adjective – pathetic as a direct result of
a university, organization, government entity, or individual's negative
influence.